Pentagon Holds to August Deadline for Afghanistan Evacuations

Spokesman says decision on extending mission up to Biden
Progressives, GOP hawks in Congress press for extension

U.S. soldiers stand guard along a perimeter at the international airport in Kabul, on Aug. 16.Photographer: Shekib Rahmani/AP Photo

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By Daniel Flatley and Travis J Tritten

August 18, 2021 at 3:36 PM UTC

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The Pentagon is holding fast to a deadline to get U.S. citizens and Afghan allies out of Afghanistan by Aug. 31 even as lawmakers of both parties are pressuring President Joe Biden to extend the effort.

“The mandate by the president is to complete this mission by the 31st of August,” Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said. “That’s the target we’re shooting for. I won’t speculate about any possible different decisions going forward.”